"A strong contender for the ‘most handsome car of the 1960s’ title, Maserati's Ghibli debuted in coupé form at the Turin Motor Show in November 1966. Styled at Carrozzeria Ghia by Giorgetto Giugiaro and named after a Sahara Desert wind, the Ghibli rivalled the Ferrari Daytona for straight-line performance, its top speed was close to 170mph and it was cheaper! Dry-sump lubrication enabled the engine to be mounted deep in the chassis, permitting a low bonnet line, while limited suspension travel ensured that the tyres did not foul the wheel arches. The roofline fell away from the top of the steeply raked windscreen to the chopped-off tail, Giugiaro thus achieving a cabin lower than that of almost all the Ghibli's contemporaries, albeit one with restricted headroom for rear passengers. So, a true stunner was created!
The Ghibli used a shortened version of the Quattroporte saloon's tubular steel chassis in its live rear axle form. In preference to the more complex suspension designs favoured by its rivals, the Ghibli used leaf springs and a single locating arm. The power unit was Maserati's powerful, four-cam, 90-degree V8, derived from the 450S sports racer and first seen in road-going guise in the 5000GT. This was used in 4.7 litre form up to 1970, when it was superseded by the 4.9 litre SS version in order to meet ever more stringent emission laws. Its performance was stunning, with 100mph attainable in under 16 seconds! This neck-snapping acceleration resulted from the V8's enormous torque, which made the Ghibli one of the most flexible and easy-to-drive GTs of its era. One of the most stunning sports cars ever made, the Ghibli was a worthy rival for the Ferrari Daytona and represents exceptional value for money today, just as it did 40 years ago.
This wonderful example is finished in red with cream leather interior and is the rarest of them all, being the SS model. It was first delivered to Alec Mildren PTY Ltd in Pymble, New South Wales Australia in September 1970. Ordered in Verde Gamm, a typically 1970s lime green metallic, with Bianca (white) interior. The car resided in the sunny climate of New South Wales until it was shipped to the UK in 1990. MoT’d in that same year, it was first registered in the UK in June 1991. From late 1994 through to May 1995, Windmill Classics (details in history file) carried out a body restoration at a cost of about £9,500 which included the replacement of both sills and footwell panels. The rubbers were replaced on refitting and the car was fully serviced before being returned to its owner. In 1996, the car was sent to marque specialists Bill McGrath Ltd for a strip and rebuild of the engine (£10,300) and a full mechanical and detail refreshment (£3,699). McGrath continued to maintain the car, with further invoices detailing work carried out to suspension, brakes and steering in 2000 at a cost of some £6,500. By late 2000, the Ghibli was sold to Maserati UK for their Heritage Collection and during their ownership through to 2005, circa £10,000 was spent internally at the Maranello Egham workshops. In 2004, the engine was removed once again and returned to McGrath for a complete strip and rebuild (£18,000) while additional sums of £9,000 and £4,200 were spent on further restoring and perfecting the car, including the installation of a stainless steel exhaust system. In 2005, the chromework was replaced and refitted together with new rear number plate lights. Since its arrival in the UK, the fabulous car has been enhanced in every respect and the work mentioned is chronicled in the history file. In addition to the comprehensive history file, the file contains a copy of the car’s original dispatch note; letter dated 1993 and signed by Giordano Casarini of Maserati SpA, Modena confirming build details; Australian registration documents, expired tax discs, parts manuals and maintenance books. This magnificent example has graced the cover of Classic Car magazine, September 2007 issue and it sits on restored and correct Campagnolo alloy wheels shod with Pirelli tyres. One of the finest of this rare model to be offered for sale."